How do you integrate agriculture into the curriculum or activities you teach?
Both while a teacher and now an elementary school principal, I use our school garden as an outdoor classroom to make our lessons come alive--lessons of agriculture, science, nutrition, social studies, music, art and even creative writing. There's a school in every garden!
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1. Learn About Ag
To complement our new website look, our address has been re-imagined to be easier to remember and use. In addition to our acronym, CFAITC, you can now find us online at
www.LearnAboutAg.org.

Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships designed to cover the conference registration fee of $225 for Friday and Saturday are available. The scholarship does not include the pre-conference tour on November 4, travel, or lodging. Download the
PDF form from the website and submit by September 30, 2010.

Student Rate
A student discount of $25 is available when registering for the full conference (Full registration) or a single, full day (Friday only or Saturday only). Copy of student ID must be faxed to (916) 561-5697 or e-mailed to
info@learnaboutag.org. When registering online, use the code "student" to apply the discount to your cart.

3. Imagine this... Story Writing ContestDeadline: Nov. 1, 2010
Don't be limited by the traditional "what I did this summer" essay as we go back to school. Meet standards for reading and writing with the Imagine this... Story Writing Contest and the rewards for both teacher and student are numerous.

Regional winners are recognized with a plaque and literature about agriculture. State winners receive an expense-paid trip to Sacramento where they will receive a medal and $100 savings bond at the awards ceremony. State-winning stories are illustrated and published in book form.
To learn more, and download entry form, visit
www.learnaboutag.org/imaginethis.

4. Presidential Turkey UpdateEnter to win by Oct. 1
Have you been following the Turkey Tour blog? Recent updates include pictures of the poults and a chance to win a school-wide assembly featuring the turkeys, turkey grower Ira Brister, and chairman of the National Turkey Federation Yubert Envia.
For more information, visit
www.learnaboutag.org/turkeytour.

5. School Garden Workshop at Connolly RanchSept. 11, 2010, Napa
This workshop from Napa County Farm Bureau AITC includes lesson plans, a cooking and nutrition unit, language arts activities with seed packets and bulb planting, and garden composting.
For more information, visit the
event calendar.

8. Teach Beef Newsletter
Volume 4, Issue 1 of the Teach Beef newsletter is now available on the California Beef Council website. Visit
www.calbeef.org to learn about free teaching kits, including "Fueled for Flight" where students in fifth and sixth grade learn how space exploration contributes to scientific knowledge (meets standards for English-language arts, mathematics and science).

9. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Workshops
This free two-day training is designed for teachers, school personnel and community partners. It provides tools to support an increase of fresh fruits and vegetables on school campuses through fun, interactive, and skill-building activities.

10. Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month
CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura is joining the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in recognizing August as "Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month." Individual citizens play a vital role protecting U.S. agriculture and the environment from invasive pests.
For more information, read the
fact sheet (PDF) from APHIS or visit
www.HungryPests.com.

11. Kids In Need Teacher GrantsProposal deadline: Sept. 30, 2010
K-12 educators are invited to apply for grants of $100 to $500 to be used for creative classroom projects. This year all teachers that apply will receive a special gift of poster making and bulletin board supplies.
For more information, and to choose an application based on location or sponsor preference, visit
kidsinneed.net.

12. Agvocate: Advocating for Agriculture
College students interested in advocating for agriculture are invited to sign up at
aggiesonline.ning.com to develop their online "agvocating" skills and earn scholarships. Participants earn points for sharing ag-related photos, videos, and blog posts. Competition is co-sponsored by the Animal Ag Alliance and the American National CattleWomen, Inc.

Historic ranch offers a step and a sip back in time
Story by Tracy Sellers, photos by Paolo Vescia

It boasts a rich and powerful history, one that includes Franciscan missionaries and Mexican rancheros. It encompasses more than 14,000 acres and produces award-winning wine and prime natural beef. It also offers a haven for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Yet few people have heard of it....
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*This beautiful location is the site of the Friday night barbeque for the 2010 California AITC Conference in November.

Resources

Lesson plan: That Was Then, This Is Now
Students learn about food prices and how they have changed over time as they perform mathematical computations, analyze data charts, and compare and contrast statistical information. This lesson meets California content standards for students in grades 3-6, and can be easily adapted for multiple grade levels. Available free online,
www.learnaboutag.com/lessonplans.

Book: Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez
This compelling autobiography tells the story of a young boy and his family and their struggle to survive economically. Appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students. ISBN 978-0-6183-4248-8

Resource: Change for a Dollar
U.S. notes have a direct connection to agriculture. This 16-page booklet introduces the individuals featured on U.S. currency and their contributions to agriculture. For students in grades 5-8. Available as a free, online download from Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. To download visit
www.agintheclassroom.org.

Website: Hands on Banking Website
This interactive website has specific lessons and activities for grades 4-5, 6-8, high school and adults. Learn the basics including balancing a checkbook and creating a budget, or investigate more complex topics, such as investing in a college education. The downloadable Instructor Guides provide everything educators need to guide students through real-life scenarios, group discussions and hands-on activities.
www.handsonbanking.com